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The program was undertaken for the purpose of reducing traffic accidents through the use of visible and active enforcement of traffic laws at specific locations. Reduction of traffic accidents at the patrolled locations from predicted levels was statistically significant. There was also a significant reduction in the number of fatal and personal injury accidents that occurred during the project when compared to accidents of the previous year. The proportion of traffic accidents that occurred during good weather was reduced significantly compared to averaged data of the three previous years. The analysis of accident data indicated that the project was an effective traffic safety measure and was particularly successful during good weather conditions. More than 3240 citations and 708 warnings were issued. Speeding violations constituted 59 percent of those cited, although county records attributed only 20 percent of accidents to this violation. Contact rates indicate that the police were active and visibly enforcing traffic laws. Public awareness was an integral portion of the project. Publicity stressed the highway safety purpose of the project so that the enforcement of traffic laws would not be perceived as harrassment. A benefit-cost ratio of approximately twelve to one was calcualted for this project using national safety council cost estimates for accidents.

Supplemental Notes:

For further information direct requests to the author, Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety, 2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois 62764.